New Zealand vs France Prediction & Odds

The highly anticipated inaugural Nations Championship kicks off with a heavyweight clash between New Zealand and France in Christchurch, both teams entering with identical recent form of four wins and one loss in their last five matches. New Zealand carries a significant head-to-head advantage, having swept France in their three-Test series last year with scores of 29–19, 43–17, and 31–27.

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has named Ruben Love at fly-half for his first start in the number 10 jersey, supported by captain Ardie Savea and the experienced Jordie Barrett. France will be without their talismanic captain Antoine Dupont, sidelined with a calf injury, but still boast attacking threats in fly-half Matthieu Jalibert and prolific winger Damian Penaud.

This match serves as Dave Rennie's debut as All Blacks head coach, with his selections reflecting strong Super Rugby Pacific form and including two potential debutants off the bench, Xavier Numia and Fehi Fineanganofo. France, fresh off their 2026 Six Nations championship win, brings a youthful squad, providing an opportunity for new combinations to challenge the established All Blacks lineup.